Learn about the 8 personalities, landmarks, and symbols featured on the new Heritage Cedi notes

From Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, featured on the GH¢200 note, to renowned Accra market trader Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome on the GH¢1 note, the Bank of Ghana’s new Heritage Series celebrates eight personalities whose contributions have helped shape the country’s history.

The new Ghana cedi banknotes feature eight notable Ghanaian personalities on their front designs, alongside historic landmarks and traditional Adinkra symbols that reflect different aspects of the country’s heritage.

President John Dramani Mahama officially unveiled the Heritage Series at the Bank of Ghana’s Bank Square headquarters in Accra on Thursday.

The new notes are expected to enter circulation on 1 December 2026 and will be used alongside the existing banknotes, which will remain legal tender.

Each denomination has a distinct theme, with a prominent national figure featured on the front and a landmark or historical site on the reverse. An accompanying Adinkra symbol represents the central message or value associated with each note.

The Bank of Ghana says the designs bring together national heroes, historic sites, monuments and Adinkra symbols to reflect the country’s history, identity and cultural values.

Although the personalities and landmarks differ, all eight denominations share a common design layout. The front features the Bank of Ghana’s name, the denomination written in words, the national coat of arms and the black star, alongside a column of Adinkra symbols next to the portrait.

The reverse of each note also features a QR code and decorative borders inspired by traditional kente patterns.

Here is a closer look at the personalities, landmarks and symbols featured on each denomination.

The grey GH¢1 banknote honours Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome (1913–1997), an Accra-based market woman and trader remembered for her support for Kwame Nkrumah’s independence campaign.

The back shows market women selling foodstuffs, representing the important role of women in commerce and the everyday activities that sustain the economy.

The accompanying Adinkra symbol is Bese Saka, meaning a sack of kola nuts. The symbol represents abundance, wealth, unity, and commercial prosperity.

The orange-and-gold GH¢2 note features Cardinal Peter Poreku Dery (1918–2008), the former Catholic Archbishop of Tamale who became Ghana’s first cardinal in 2006.

The reverse of the note features the Larabanga Mosque in the Savannah Region, a historic mud-and-timber structure widely regarded as one of the oldest mosques in West Africa.

Its Adinkra symbol is Nyame Dua, meaning “tree of God”. It represents God’s presence, protection, and spiritual guidance.

The blue GH¢5 note celebrates James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey (1875–1927), one of Ghana’s most respected educationists and intellectuals.

The reverse features the clock-tower building of Achimota School in Accra, an institution he helped establish and which remains one of Ghana’s prominent educational institutions.

The Adinkra symbol on the note is Nea Onnim No Sua A, Ohu, which means “one who does not know can know by learning”. It highlights the importance of education, knowledge, and lifelong learning.

The green GH¢10 note honours Justice Annie Jiagge (1918–1996), a pioneering Ghanaian judge and women’s rights advocate who made significant contributions to the advancement of justice and gender equality.

The reverse features the Supreme Court of Ghana, with the Martyrs of the Rule of Law monument standing in front of the building.

The note carries the Adinkra symbol Epa, meaning handcuffs, which represents law, justice, and the enforcement of legal principles.

The purple GH¢20 note features Dr Ephraim Amu (1899–1995), a renowned Ghanaian composer, musicologist, and cultural figure.

The reverse of the note features the National Theatre in Accra, an important centre for the country’s performing arts and cultural activities. Its distinctive architecture, with a roof resembling a ship, makes it one of the capital’s notable landmarks.

The accompanying Adinkra symbol is Dono, representing the traditional talking drum. It is associated with praise, goodwill, communication, and rhythm, reflecting the importance of music and cultural expression.

The red-orange GH¢50 note celebrates Theodosia Okoh (1922–2015), the Ghanaian artist and designer who created the country’s national flag.

The reverse features Jubilee House, the official seat of the President of Ghana. The building’s architectural design draws inspiration from the traditional Akan stool, a symbol of authority and leadership.

The Adinkra symbol is Fawohodie, which represents independence, freedom, and emancipation.

The turquoise GH¢100 note honours Kofi Annan (1938–2018), Ghana’s internationally acclaimed diplomat and the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations.

The reverse features the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra, an institution that provides training and research for military personnel, police officers, and civilians involved in peacekeeping and conflict management across Africa.

The note carries the Adinkra symbol Bi Nka Bi, meaning “no one should bite another”. The symbol promotes peace, harmony, restraint, and peaceful coexistence.

The pink-and-red GH¢200 note features Dr Kwame Nkrumah (1909–1972), Ghana’s first President and the leader who guided the country to independence from British colonial rule on 6 March 1957.

The reverse of the highest denomination features the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra, which houses his mausoleum and statue in honour of his contribution to Ghana’s independence and development.

Its Adinkra symbol is Adinkrahene, often described as the chief of all Adinkra symbols. It represents greatness, leadership, authority, and charisma.

The Bank of Ghana’s Heritage Series is expected to enter circulation on December 1. The new banknotes will circulate alongside the existing series, which will remain legal tender.

The Bank has also urged the public to handle the new notes with care. It has cautioned against spraying, crumpling, or stapling the banknotes, as well as using them to make money bouquets.

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.